More than 1800 species of the wild flora and fauna of Zihuatanejo.
All photographs were taken in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and the surrounding area.
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Ants of Zihuatanejo
FAMILY FORMICIDAE
Big-headed Ants
Genus Pheidole
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Ants, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Order Hymenoptera)
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Narrow-waisted Wasps, Ants, and Bees (Suborder Apocrita)
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Ants, Bees, and Stinging Wasps (Infraorder Aculeata)
Big-headed ants belong to the genus Pheidole. One of the most distinctive features of Pheidole ants is the size difference between the major and minor workers. Major workers (or soldiers) have significantly larger heads and mandibles compared to the smaller minor workers. Pheidole ants construct nests in the ground, often creating simple chambers and tunnels. Some species may also build nests in leaf litter or rotting wood. Big-headed ants are omnivorous and forage for a variety of food sources, including seeds, nectar, insects, and other organic materials. They are known for their aggressive foraging behavior and can often be seen in large numbers.
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